Phase separation in binary mixtures, mean field theory for phase transitions, differential geometry for surfaces and hydromechanics. Surface tension. Thermal fluctuations of surfaces, capillary waves, wetting of surfaces, wetting profiles and contact angles. Continuum theory for van der Waals interactions. Electrostatics, Debye-Hueckel theory. Curvature and surface tension of thin membranes. Undulations and peristaltic fluctuations in membranes of finite thickness. Colloids, DLVO-theory and self aggregating surfaces Atomistic versus field theoretical modeling of membranes and surfaces.
SI2550 Membranes and Soft Matter 7.5 credits
This course has been discontinued.
Last planned examination: Autumn 2022
Decision to discontinue this course:
No information insertedInformation per course offering
Course offerings are missing for current or upcoming semesters.
Course syllabus as PDF
Please note: all information from the Course syllabus is available on this page in an accessible format.
Course syllabus SI2550 (Autumn 2007–)Content and learning outcomes
Course contents
Intended learning outcomes
The course aims at giving basic knowledge about atomic and field theoretical modeling of surfaces, interfaces and membranes with applications to biological membranes, material science and chemistry. After finished course the student should be able to:
- Describe and apply simple continuum models for membranes and interfaces.
- Formulate mean field models for binary mixtures using variational principles and solve these in simple cases.
- Determine ion concentration profiles and interactions between charged surfaces in solutions using electrostatic continuum models.
- Derive simple equations for the interactions between surfaces within the scope of a continuum theory for van der Waals interactions.
- Describe basic physical models for interactions in colloids, micro emulsions and solutions containing micelles and vesicles.
- Realize the limitations of simple continuum models.
Literature and preparations
Specific prerequisites
Recommended prerequisites: Thermodynamics and statistical mechanics corresponding to SI1161.
Recommended prerequisites
Equipment
Literature
S.A. Safran, Statistical Thermodynamics of Surfaces, Interfaces, and Membranes, Westview Press, 2002.
Other literature: D. Boal, Mechanics of the cell, Cambridge University Press, 2002.
Examination and completion
If the course is discontinued, students may request to be examined during the following two academic years.
Grading scale
Examination
- INL1 - Assigment, 7.5 credits, grading scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F
Based on recommendation from KTH’s coordinator for disabilities, the examiner will decide how to adapt an examination for students with documented disability.
The examiner may apply another examination format when re-examining individual students.
Other requirements for final grade
Solutions of given home exercises, which are to be discussed with the examiner (INL1; 7,5 university credits).
Opportunity to complete the requirements via supplementary examination
Opportunity to raise an approved grade via renewed examination
Examiner
Ethical approach
- All members of a group are responsible for the group's work.
- In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used.
- In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.